CM Flags off First Batch of Haj Pilgrims

Hyderabad, Sept 25 (INN): The first batch of the Chartered Haj Flight carrying 300 pilgrims flew off for Jeddah this night at 8:40 PM from the Haj Terminal of the GMR Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Shamsabad, Hyderabad. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy flagged off the first batch of pilgrims at the Haj House Nampally amidst chanting of Talbiyah (A special prayers for Haj) both by the pilgrims and the visitors who had gathered to bid them farewell.

The Chief Minister congratulated the pilgrims on their selection and requested them to remember the country and the state and its people in their prayers and make special prayers for peace development and prosperity of the country and the state. Chief Minister announced that the Government will represent the matter of 50 per cent concession in the User Development Fund UDF to the pilgrims to the tune of Rs 955 each. If by any chance the GMR does not concede the demand then the State Government will bear the expenses towards this and each Haji will get refund of RS 955 and the total amount will be around Rs 78 lakhs.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was making all efforts to see that pilgrims do not face any problem and it has enhanced the budget of the Haj Committee from Rs One crore last year to Rs 2 crores this year.

Speaking in Urdu language he said that he considers himself lucky to meet the pilgrims of the State and requested them to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country and the State. He wished them a very successful Haj and safe return of the pilgrims after the Haj is over.

Mohammed Ahmadullah, Minister for Minorities Welfare in his speech congratulated the pilgrims and thanked Allah Almighty for fulfillment of said that their lifelong dream of going on the sacred pilgrimage of Haj. He also requested the pilgrims to pray for the welfare of the state and for good health and fulfillment of the Chief Minister.

V HanumanthRao, MP asked the pilgrims to pray for themselves and for the State and the people.